Integrating CAD/CAM

Why a Fundamental, Transformational Change?

Change is rarely easy. If what you are doing is working, you may think there is no reason to change. The point of a fundamental transformation isn’t to fix what’s not working, but to enhance what is working and make it better.

Expectations and Objectives

When I purchased our first CAD/CAM system, there were limitations with the technology and struggles with its implementation. For our practice, our goal was to provide single-visit restorations, benefitting patients in more than one way. They would receive the most technologically advanced treatment, and experience the convenience of one appointment.

The practice upgraded to the E4D System in 2009. The expectations and objectives came from the multiple roles I play every day. I thought about what was best for my patients. The new system gave us more control over the anatomy of our restorations, and we could now select from more options when performing multiple units. We can mill a restoration with more accurate margins, so our restorations fit and feel better for our patients. I also considered what motivates and empowers my team. Plus, by adding the E4D system, our practice has grown in volume, our percentage net has increased, and our expense–for impression materials, lab fees, and disposables–have decreased.

My team was fully engaged in discussions about my vision. They responded enthusiastically, especially when they learned about many of [the E4D System’s] benefits.

Pre-op following endodontic treatment

Pre-op following endodontic treatment

The Total Team Experience

When implementing change, it is essential to involve the team in the entire process. When staff feel involved with the decision-making process, they take ownership and reassure patients of new treatment protocols.

My team was fully engaged in discussions about my vision. They responded enthusiastically, especially when they learned about many of its benefits. Some had treatments performed with the new technology, so they experienced firsthand the benefits of the system. They were eager to share it with our patients.

Final prep with fiber post and core

The Evolution of CAD/CAM

E4D’s recently introduced NEVO Scanner technology is the first scanner to use E4D’s blue laser technology. This technology provides an improved ability to capture the fine details for exceptional quality data capture and, therefore, more precise and accurate prosthetics. It’s also very fast and easy to use with other features, like anti-fogging and continuous cooling for extra-long scanning without interruption.

Final restoration

Case Presentation

A healthy, thirty-nine year old female presented with extensive caries in tooth #2. Carious exposure necessitated endodontic therapy. A number 2 rely-x fiber post was placed with fugi IX core buildup. The tooth was restored in a single appointment, using E4D Dentist with an EMAX full contour crown, and cemented with scotch bond universal adhesive and rely-x ultimate resin cement.

Conclusion

The fundamental change to my practice wasn’t just about adding new equipment or updating systems. Rather, it was about providing a diverse patient population with state-of-the-art treatment, using the most highly developed technology available.